Light House
Perhaps we cannot change the entire world in two days, but we can change the world of one family in two days. Copiar
Join an experience that combines faith, service, and community to provide dignified homes for families who need them most. Copiar
Ilumina was founded in
August 2016
More than 475,000
households in Baja California live with housing deficiencies.
2 days + 1 house = Transformation
What is
Light House?
Light House is an initiative of Ilumina Ministries—an organization rooted in biblical foundations and principles—dedicated to mobilizing communities and individuals in Mexico and beyond to serve others by building decent homes for families in just two days.
By participating in a Light House build, you can make a transformative difference—not only in the life of a family but also in the lives of every member of your group who takes part.
- You provide the labor, and we provide everything else.
This is what life is like with Light House.
Discover how two days of service can transform a family’s life.
Ready to build
You provide the labor, and we provide everything else.
Families, churches, businesses
Come with your group for an incredible life changing experience.
Built in 2 days
Construction takes 2 days, but you can extend it.
Teams of 15 people or more
A team of approximately 15 people is needed to build a house.
Children welcome
A family-oriented ministry
Service and solidarity
Strengthening the team and fostering solidarity and gratitude.
How Does It Work?
Steps to Bring Transformation to a Family
1. Apply
Due to the number of activities we carry out throughout the year, we recommend that you begin your application well in advance. During holiday seasons, we receive a large number of groups, so booking as early as possible is your best option.
Please complete your application by providing your first name, last name, email address, phone number, and the name of your church, company, organization, or institution.
Once we receive your application, our team will get in touch with you to follow up and guide you through the next steps.
HOME MODELS
Each home, a new beginning.
We build homes in the heaven, starting here on the Earth.
16 × 20 ft house
2 bedrooms.
Living area.
Kitchen area.
Dining area.
Bathroom (additional).
Patio (additional).
20 × 20 ft house
2 bedrooms.
Living area.
Kitchen area.
Dining area.
Bathroom (additional).
Patio (additional).
What does each house include?
- Polished concrete floor
- Construction materials (lumber)
- Interiors finished with drywall
- Shingle roof
- Electrical installations
- Doors and windows
+ See more
− See less
- Transportation and logistics
- Tools and equipment
- Guidance and safety measures
- Construction system
- ILUMINA volunteer team
Optional extra: Under-floor plumbing (additional cost).
What you will experience
Trip to Mexico
Transportation and logistics
Hospitality
Meals
Welcome package
Construction tools and materials
Blessing a family with a home
An unforgettable, life-changing experience
Stories
that inspire
Behind every house lies a story of hope, solidarity, and transformation. Meet the people who are part of Light House and discover how building a home can change lives forever.
Inspiring faces
Individuals and families who are part of this story of transformation.
Omar Gallo
Founder of IluminaTo be Mexican and to be a blessing to other Mexicans is a profound honor.
Tony Au
Team LeaderLeading our BayLife Church team on a mission trip to Tijuana, Mexico, to partner with Ilumina was an incredible privilege.
Madeline Perry
ParticipantIt was an honor to meet this family and work alongside them to build their new home—a place that would bring hope, love, and safety, and where they could create countless new family memories.
Emmanuel
Builder for “Light House”My favorite part is watching the family embrace; often, without saying a word, they communicate through smiles or tears, expressing the happiness that comes with living in a decent, safe home.
Camila León
Ilumina VolunteerServing on this team has been a wonderful experience—getting to know incredible people and coming together with the purpose of blessing families who need a home where they can feel safe and provide the best for their children.
Rocío Guzmán
Community LeaderBy the grace of God, I have been able to continue supporting my Mixteco community to this day.
Familia Ramos García
Family who received a homeFAMILIES
Our mission at “Light House” is to bless families with young children who are in a truly vulnerable housing situation that puts them at risk. To ensure we are genuinely helping those in need, we conduct a socioeconomic assessment and home visits before qualifying families to receive the blessing of a home.
¿Quién puede aplicar?
Casas de Luz busca apoyar a familias con menores de edad que se encuentran en una situación vulnerable de vivienda.
- Familias con menores de edad.
- Familias en situación de vulnerabilidad.
- Familias con propiedad a nombre del papá, mamá o tutor legal.
- Familias que habiten en el terreno de su propiedad.
Documentos necesarios
Para iniciar el proceso de solicitud, la familia debe contar con la siguiente documentación:
- INE.
- Actas de nacimiento.
- Fotografías familiares.
- Título de propiedad o contrato de compraventa notariado.
- Documento de no propiedad que acredite que la familia no cuenta con otras propiedades.
- Formulario de aplicación completo.
Requisitos del terreno
El terreno debe cumplir las condiciones establecidas por Casas de Luz para poder construir la vivienda.
- La propiedad debe estar a nombre del papá, mamá o tutor legal.
- La familia debe habitar en el terreno de su propiedad.
- El terreno debe estar nivelado y aplanado.
- Debe contar con fosa séptica o conexión al drenaje.
Proceso de selección
ILUMINA realiza una evaluación para asegurarse de apoyar a las familias que realmente lo necesitan.
- Revisión de los requisitos y la documentación.
- Orientación de Casas de Luz.
- Estudio socioeconómico.
- Visita domiciliaria por parte del personal de ILUMINA.
- Evaluación de la situación de la familia.
- Comunicación del resultado de la solicitud.
Importante: presentar una solicitud no garantiza la aprobación de una vivienda.
Cómo aplicar
¿Tu familia necesita ayuda o conoces a alguien de tu comunidad que necesite una vivienda?
- Revisa quiénes pueden aplicar.
- Reúne los documentos necesarios.
- Atiende la orientación de Casas de Luz.
- Completa el formulario de aplicación.
- Espera el seguimiento y la visita domiciliaria del equipo.
- Si tu familia es aprobada, tramita el permiso de construcción correspondiente ante el municipio.
La casa es completamente gratuita para las familias aprobadas.
La entrega de documentos y el envío de la solicitud no garantizan automáticamente la asignación de una vivienda.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have put together a suggested packing list for your visit. We recommend packing light—ideally, just a carry-on bag that is easy for you to manage.
Please keep in mind that this is only a suggestion:
- Personal hygiene items (shampoo, toothbrush, soap, etc.)
- Sunscreen
- Towel
- Underwear
- Work pants
- Work shirt
- Work shoes
- Casual clothing for dinners and outings
- Sweater
- Phone
- Passport
We provide bed linens, so there is no need to bring a sleeping bag.
Crossing the border between Mexico and the U.S. is very straightforward thousands of people do it every day. However, please keep in mind that international policies can change, meaning certain requirements may be added or removed.
- To enter Mexico, you need a valid passport that will not expire for at least another 6 months.
- To re-enter the U.S. or your home country, you will again need your passport or an official form of identification proving that you are a citizen or resident of that country.
You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of others at all times. Ensure you do not place yourself in any dangerous situations and avoid any movements or actions that make you feel uncomfortable; your safety is our top priority.
Remember that all accidents are preventable. We strongly recommend that you follow these guidelines:
- Drink water consistently.
- Take breaks and use that time to connect with your team.
- Wear a cap or hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- Wear a safety helmet.
- Wear safety glasses or sunglasses.
- Wear work gloves.
- Wear appropriate footwear for the area.
- Use earplugs.
- Lift objects using your legs, not your back.
- Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling accessories.
- Keep your hands and arms away from the cutting area.
- Avoid cutting directly on the ground.
- Do not leave tools or objects outside of your bag—especially when on a roof.
- Do not lift heavy objects by yourself (your team is ready to help).
- Do not touch or play with local animals; they may be dangerous.If you feel unwell, notify the captain immediately.
- A first-aid kit is always available and easily accessible; if you need it, please reach out to the captain for assistance.
- One team member will be designated to oversee the safety of the entire group, ensuring that we all remain diligent in prioritizing our safety throughout the build.
Parents are responsible for their own safety and the safety of their children, and for ensuring that their children follow these safety guidelines. Children under 12 years of age:
- Avoid using battery-operated or power tools.
- Avoid climbing ladders or going onto the roof.
- Must always be under parental supervision.
Youth under 17 years of age:
- Avoid using battery-operated or power tools without adult supervision.
- Avoid using ladders or being on the roof without adult supervision.
Yes. We are an organization that believes in and encourages families to participate in these types of activities together. Our program is 100% family-friendly—from our facilities and logistics to the actual hands-on involvement children can have in building a home for a family. This will undoubtedly be an experience that leaves a positive mark on their childhood and adolescence.
All participating children must be accompanied by their parents or a legal guardian.
We do not recommend drinking tap water; however, it is perfectly fine to use for bathing, brushing your teeth, or doing laundry. Drinking water will be provided for you at our accommodations and at the construction site, as well as in any other locations we visit as a group.
Mexican cuisine is delicious and internationally recognized for its variety and flavor. Nevertheless, we ensure that the food provided to you meets high safety and hygiene standards, prepared either by our own staff or at reliable restaurants.
- A valid passport from your country of origin is required for legal entry into Mexico.
- All minors must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
- Minors under the age of 12 must not use electric or battery-operated tools, nor climb ladders or roofs. Minors under the age of 17 require adult supervision to engage in these activities.
We always stay in groups; no team member is ever permitted to be alone.
We assign staff to always accompany your team, helping to ensure that everyone is well-cared for and safe.
We are familiar with the area and avoid unnecessary travel through certain locations; we work in coordination with various local organizations and churches.
We ensure that every staff member carries a phone so that communication is always maintained.
Our operations take place only during daylight hours; therefore, we are not present in the communities where we work during the night.
